What is the hepatitis B virus

Jan 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) primarily invades the liver, leading to hepatitis B. If the condition continues to progress, it may develop into liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. The virus is mainly transmitted through blood, mother-to-child transmission, and sexual contact. After infection, symptoms such as fatigue and jaundice may occur. Therefore, timely antiviral treatment under a doctor's guidance is necessary after diagnosis.

Generally speaking, hepatitis B virus refers to the virus that causes hepatitis B, a type of virus that attacks the normal liver. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is necessary. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Hepatitis B virus is a hepatotropic DNA virus belonging to the family Hepadnaviridae. This virus primarily attacks the liver, causing damage to liver tissue and even disruption of liver structure, leading to hepatitis B. If the virus remains replicative within the body without timely clearance, it may continuously stimulate liver tissue and cells, worsening the condition and potentially leading to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and other diseases.

Currently, hepatitis B virus is mainly transmitted through blood, mother-to-child transmission, and sexual contact. If there is close contact as mentioned above with a patient, infection might occur, causing symptoms such as general weakness, easy fatigue, pain in the liver area, and jaundice. After diagnosis, it is necessary to follow medical advice promptly and use medications such as entecavir tablets, pradefovir mesylate tablets, and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate tablets for treatment.

If there is concern about possible hepatitis B virus infection, timely related examinations should be conducted for analysis, followed by targeted treatment. At the same time, patients also need regular liver function tests and viral load testing to assess whether the virus is in a replicative state and to understand the extent of liver damage.

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Can hepatitis B virus cause fetal malformations?

The hepatitis B virus itself usually does not directly cause fetal malformations; its primary risk is transmitting the virus to the fetus. To reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission, pregnant women who are hepatitis B surface antigen positive should receive antiviral interventions under medical guidance, including appropriate use of antiviral medications during pregnancy and timely administration of hepatitis B immunoglobulin and the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine to the newborn after birth.

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Are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) positive results infectious?

HBsAg negative, anti-HBs positive, HBeAg negative, anti-HBe negative, and anti-HBc positive (i.e., positive for the second and fifth markers) usually indicates no infectivity. This result suggests a past hepatitis B virus infection that has resolved, with development of immunity against hepatitis B. Individuals with positivity only for the second and fifth markers do not need to worry about transmitting the virus and require no special treatment. It is recommended to periodically check the titer of hepatitis B surface antibody; if the titer drops below the protective level, appropriate measures such as booster vaccination may be considered.

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Can hepatitis B be transmitted through sweat?

Under normal circumstances, sweat cannot transmit hepatitis B, and there is currently no scientific evidence that the hepatitis B virus can be transmitted through sweat. Therefore, there is no need to worry about contracting hepatitis B through sweat; everyday contact such as handshakes or sharing office supplies does not spread the hepatitis B virus. An effective way to prevent hepatitis B is vaccination. High-risk individuals should also avoid sharing needles.

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Can patients with hepatitis B take entecavir?

In general, "hepatitis B" refers to hepatitis B virus infection. Patients with chronic hepatitis B can take entecavir, which is a first-line antiviral drug in clinical treatment. Entecavir can effectively suppress hepatitis B virus replication and delay the progression of liver damage. However, it must be used properly under the guidance of a doctor; self-medication or stopping the medication without medical advice is not recommended. During treatment, patients should regularly undergo follow-up tests for liver function and viral markers.

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Can hepatitis B be cured?

In general, hepatitis B refers to Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Whether it can be cured depends on the specific situation. Most cases of acute hepatitis B can be completely cured, while chronic hepatitis B is currently difficult to eradicate entirely. However, with proper treatment, the condition can be effectively controlled over the long term, allowing patients to maintain a normal life. The key difference lies in the age at which the virus is acquired and the type of disease presentation. If you suspect or have been diagnosed with hepatitis B, it is recommended to seek timely medical care at a正规 hospital.

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Is it necessary to get a hepatitis B booster shot?

In general, whether a hepatitis B booster shot is necessary depends on the status of hepatitis B surface antibodies in the body. If the hepatitis B surface antibody is positive and the titer is sufficient, vaccination is usually not required. However, if the hepatitis B surface antibody is negative, or if the antibody is positive but the titer is insufficient, vaccination is recommended. To maintain liver health and reduce the risk of hepatitis B virus infection, it is advised to undergo regular hepatitis B antibody testing.

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What is the difference between "big three positive" and "small three positive" in hepatitis B?

Under normal circumstances, the main differences between hepatitis B "big three positives" and "small three positives" include different viral markers, varying levels of viral replication activity, differing degrees of infectivity, different risks of liver damage, and distinct treatment strategies. In addition, patients with either hepatitis B "big three positives" or "small three positives" should undergo regular liver function tests and hepatitis B virus DNA testing.

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Which of the Five Hepatitis B Antigen-Antibody Tests Being Positive Is Considered Normal?

When all five hepatitis B tests are negative, it indicates that the body has not been infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and has not developed protective antibodies. This is considered a healthy state; however, it also means there is no immunity against HBV. It is recommended to receive the hepatitis B vaccine promptly to gain protection and reduce the risk of infection. If only the surface antibody is positive, it usually indicates prior vaccination or recovery from a past HBV infection.

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